Coronation celebrations showcase Britain’s sheep sector
6th May 2023
With lamb featuring as the main ingredient on the official Coronation menu, and thousands of military uniforms having been finely crafted from British wool, produce from the nation’s sheep farmers is playing an important part in the Coronation celebrations.
King Charles III is well known for his strong support of sheep farmers and his love of mutton and lamb, so it comes as no surprise that the sheep sector features in the official celebrations.
In 2004, King Charles launched the Mutton Renaissance campaign alongside the National Sheep Association. The campaign promoted quality mutton, aiming to elevate the meat to the levels of enjoyment and consumption of lamb. It brought farmers, abattoirs, chefs and retailers together and set minimum standards for ‘renaissance mutton’, ensuring its excellent eating quality and traceability.
It is also reported that the King regularly requests sustainably produced sheep meat to be served in his royal residences, and it is lamb, used in a recipe from celebrity chef Ken Hom, that is to be enjoyed as part of the Coronation menu.
The sustainable farming methods used to rear sheep in the UK are in tune with the King’s environmental values. It has produced sheep breeds that are adapted to their local conditions and so maintain and enhance that environment.
This celebration of sustainability, agricultural heritage and culture are also key elements of the British Heritage Sheep project, run by NSA.
Bob Kennard from the project comments: “King Charles’ support for British lamb and mutton has shared a positive message on behalf of the farming community. His Majesty has also championed small local abattoirs, which have been in long-term decline, yet are essential to the short supply chains which enable farmers to tell the story of their meat.
“His awareness of rural issues such as this will be highly appreciated by the communities living in these areas.”
King Charles is also a patron of the Campaign for Wool. Set to feature in many parts of the Coronation, wool has numerous beneficial properties including its sustainable nature, natural fire resistance, and hard-wearing qualities – which make it well suited as a traditional fabric for military uniform, religious cloths, and its use in instrument casing linings.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker says: “Once-in-a-lifetime events such as King Charles’s Coronation are occasions to enjoy the very best and so it is fitting that produce from UK sheep farms will be on display during the impressive celebrations.
“All at NSA are looking forward to a wonderful weekend and would urge the great British public whilst enjoying the festivities also to consider adding a delicious lamb dish to their Coronation lunch menus, or to maybe pull out a British wool blanket for warmth and comfort when joining community picnics and activities taking place.”
